Donald E. Larson, 84, Osage

Donald E. Larson, age 84, of Osage, died Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, after a battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Avenue, Osage, with Pastor David A. Werges and Diaconal Minister Elayne J. Werges officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.

Donald was born on the family farm southwest of Osage on December 7, 1932, to Elmer and Alice (Lundene) Larson. He attended country school for his first eight years and then attended Osage High School, graduating in 1950. Donald later attended Mason City Junior College and Upper Iowa University. He later worked on his master’s degree from Mankato State University. In June of 1955, Donald was united in marriage to Marlys Wyborny at Rock Creek Lutheran Church. He taught in some surrounding school districts until he was hired to teach at the Mitchell School. Donald taught and was head teacher there until the school closed in 1976. He taught in the Lincoln building for three years. Donald took a job with the Area Education Association and spent the last 11 years of his career working for them. He retired in 1994, the same year that Marlys retired. Donald was an active member of Rock Creek Lutheran Church all of his life. He held many offices in the church, taught Sunday School, was involved with the 70 Club, the Lutheran Brotherhood, Luther League, and the mutual ministry. Donald helped with the restoration of the Walnut Grove One Room School, was involved with the Sons of Norway, the teacher’s association, and the Retired Teacher’s Organization. On May 23, 2008, he was united in marriage to Barbara Patterson Rivard at All Saints Church in Gladstone, Michigan. They made their home in Osage.

Chris was born in Webster City and raised in Charles City. As a young kid, he would always be caught singing along to songs on the radio. He says he's good at karaoke but we think otherwise. ;) In his free time, he enjoys beginning new projects at home and hardly ever finishing them. Chris lives in Charles City with his wife Vicki and a daughter Brynlee.